Featured Pet Of the Month-JACKO

Jacko is a 13 ½ year old, male neutered cat who has been coming to River Valley for care since 2007.  He has always been a very happy and healthy cat, but in the spring of 2010, his very observant mother noticed that he had developed scabs and crusty lesions around his mouth, on his chin and in front of his ears.  He also seemed itchy all over and was generally not behaving in his usual spunky manner.

Jacko was diagnosed with an immune-mediated disease called Pemphigus Foliaceous, which is actually the most common auto-immune skin disease of cats and dogs.  This disease occurs because the body develops an “allergic reaction” to the cells that hold the deep layers of the skin together and the result is ulcers, crusts and the types of lesions Jacko was displaying. 

Treatment for Pemphigus entails giving high doses of immuno-suppressive medication to “turn off” the body’s abnormal response to the skin cells.  The most commonly prescribed medication in this class is called prednisolone, a type of steroid.  In general prednisolone is very well tolerated but some cats that have sub-clinical Diabetes Mellitus can become full-blown Diabetics when placed on this drug.  Jacko had this reaction and his mom quickly called to let us know that, even though his skin looked better, he was drinking a lot of water, losing weight and seemed depressed. 

Blood and urine tests showed that Jacko had become a Diabetic and would require insulin in addition to changing to a different type of immune-suppressive drug which would have less of an impact on his body’s sugar levels. 

Jacko’s mom was very patient and worked really hard to manage these two complicated diseases.  After much fine-tuning, Jacko’s Pemphigus is in remission and his Diabetes is under control with a very low dose of insulin.  Today he is happy and healthy and enjoys chasing the other cats in his family around the house.  

Maggie Goes to School

Maggie's ready for her first day of school!

Maggie went to puppy school on Monday - She was so cute! She was clearly out-numbered by the bigger puppies but she was such a trooper!  She wasn’t quite sure what to think right away but soon as she got over her shyness she was playing with the “big guys”.

When we first got there, I was surprised to see the set-up they had.  It looked like a dog-show routine with ramps, jumps, tunnels, and even a Little Tykes slide. Maggie was being a chicken little at first.  The big puppies showed her how it was done and she eventually caught on to a few things.  During class, our instructor (Tiana) explained how she wanted each puppy to go through every obstacle.  They want the puppies to learn depth perception, different textures, and learn to balance on unsteady surfaces.

Maggie’s latest “trick” is learning how to sit.  The hardest part we struggle with is her excitement for the treat.  She’ll get so excited she’ll sit and jump at the same time.  I’m trying to get her to sit and keep her paws down… we’ll get there!  She’s also doing well with learning how to sit before she goes outside to potty so she doesn’t bolt outside the door (This was part of our homework for the next 2 weeks!)

The highlight of my night was when Maggie fell asleep during lecture.  Good thing there is no doggie detention for sleeping in class!  She did very well… I guess the important part was that I was listening!  My jaw dropped when Tiana said for the 1^st year pets should not be allowed on furniture.  Her reasoning makes complete sense…. but a WHOLE year!!!?? This will be difficult! 

We are working on her not chewing on things she shouldn't... however, when I tell her "No" she gives me this face:

Do you see why I'm such a softy!!?  I'm staying strong, my friends! I'm staying strong! When she starts chewing on things she isn't supposed to we have been giving her one of her chew toys so she knows what things are hers and "ok" to chew on.

Tiana also talked about the importance of crate training (which is what we are doing with Maggie).  We are experimenting with where to put her kennel.  She gets so excited when she sees you that she leaks a little "hello" before I can get her outside.  Tiana suggested not talking to her and getting her excited before she gets outside.  I can’t wait to watch Maggie progress and learn new tricks, and to show Joe that puppy school is worth it (I'm determined to turn this puppy school non-believer into a believer!)  I’ll try to take some pictures during the next class of her working on the equipment!  See you all again soon!

*In my last post, I talked about how our weekend was going to be busy with Maggie and my 4-year old little buddy I was babysitting.  Our adventures need a whole post itself so stay tuned for that!

Maggie Goes to the Vet

We brought Maggie to River Valley for her first check up.  She did great!  Everyone there was so wonderful and helpful.  The little peanut weighs 4.7lbs!  We got a "new puppy owner" run down and tips on how to train her.  This was perfect timing since my husband and I are almost on completely different pages when it comes to training Maggie.  He wants to do what his family did to their family dog (which was 20 years ago).  For example, when Maggie has an accident Joe thinks he should stick Maggie's nose in it and tell her "No".  I personally think that is too harsh.  I tell her "No" only if I catch her doing it and bring her outside right away - she's not going to remember doing it if we find poop on the floor 15 minutes later!  Dr. Cindy Sellin checked out Maggie and gave her health an A!  We are signing her up for puppy school starting June 27th.  I'm very excited to get her started on training and hope to meet a variety of puppies to get her well socialized! :-)

Another exciting accomplishment for Maggie this week... (insert drum roll)... She slept through the night 2 nights in a row!!!!!  I was ecstatic when I woke up in the morning and actually felt somewhat rested.  I wondered if this is how moms felt when their newborn baby sleeps through the night!  I took full advantage of when my husband was home to watch her and was able to stay at the gym longer to get a great workout in.  And just like a baby, I made my husband get up with her in the middle of the night while he was home - I was exhausted!  Maggie also learned how to go up and down the stairs!  She is so proud of herself!  Man do they grow up fast... sigh....

Contemplating how she is going to make it down the stairs

This weekend we have a little visitor at our house.  I am watching my 4 year-old family friend, Alivia, for the weekend.  She is psyched to play with a puppy ALL weekend long!  She's never really been around dogs so it is a learning curve for all of us.  It's been an interesting first day together... Maggie is passed out on the floor and Alivia is learning to not wake a sleeping puppy!  We took her for her first walk on her leash today.  She's slowly but surely getting used to the darn thing!  I'm sure I'll have many more fun stories to share from the weekend!

SO TIRED after an eventful day!!

Her favorite new toy, Mr. Turtle

The "terrible two's" begins!  This was her idea of helping me get ready for a garage sale!

Unlikely Friends

Maggie Moo's First 24 Hours

On her way to her new home - I picked out a "coming home" bow for her!

Maggie’s first 24 hours were filled with lots of hugs, kisses, exploring, naps, potty training, and playing!  She was a little timid at first and cautiously explored her surroundings.  Within an hour she ate, drank, and of course had her first (of many) accidents!   It’s been a challenge to decipher if she is sniffing to explore or to go potty.  I caught her going pee once and was able to grab her and run outside… just like How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With suggests.  I need to get my husband to read it because he believes they can be corrected with a tap on the nose.  The book even comments on how that is NOT effective.  I’ve already improved my “NO!” making sure she doesn’t chew on certain things.  You think you have the house ready for a puppy and sure enough they still find something else I didn’t think of!

One highlight from the day was when Maggie going out to poop for the first time in the grass.  While she was still going poop, the sprinkler system turned on and she didn’t know what to do.  My husband picked her up and she finished pooping on him!  My Mom, his Mom and sister all got a great laugh out of it.  I had to leave for work after having her home for a few hours - that was hard!  I called a few times to check on them and Joe sent me pictures throughout the night.  I came home to both Joe and Maggie passed out in the living room.  I took Maggie out close to 1am before going to bed (got home from work late).  Then the little stinker was like clock-work, waking me up at 2:30, 4:30, and 6:30am to go potty outside (no barking, just little soft, sweet squeaks!)  She did AWESOME peeing in the grass and I rewarded her with training treats that were recommended to me from Chuck and Don’s (cool store!).  Maggie LOVES them!  She seems so proud of herself when she goes pee… And I’m proud, too!  I’m glad Maggie takes plenty of naps -- I will be joining her! It was hard to resist the urge to not want to pull her in to bed with us in the middle of the night… It’s so easy to do but I know in the long run it will be better for her to get acquainted with her bed.

Pooped out and all tucked in!

Another cute story - she was playing chase with her mini pink tennis balls I got her.  It rolled in front of a mirror and she just froze when she saw her reflection!  She didn’t know what to do -- I couldn’t help but laugh at her!!  She loves playing with her toys in this one specific spot in our living room -- I don’t know what it is about that spot!

Her favorite toy of the hour... and of course she's in her favorite spot!

During one of her morning naps today she was wagging her tail in her sleep - She must have been dreaming about something good!  Joe already has her “trained” to roll over for belly rubs!  I’ve noticed when she gets nervous or scared about something she crawls up by your shoulders and nestles in… it’s like she’s hugging you tight!  Family and friends are making their visits.  I’m glad she is getting acquainted with them now as I’ll need their help watching her on the days I’m at work and Joe is out of town.  My next goal is to figure out an eating routine for her, which will help with her potty training schedule.

We will be taking her to River Valley for her first appointment on Friday with Dr. Cindy Sellin.  We can’t wait for Maggie to meet everyone in the office!  I’m hoping to get her in puppy school at the end of June - we’ll have to make sure there are spots left and I’ll have to try to get my work schedule rearranged.  See you all soon!

She loves her bone!

Maggie Comes Home Today!!

You heard it hear first... We are bringing Maggie home today - FINALLY!  We weren't expecting her until this next weekend but our breeder called to say she was ready to go whenever we are!  This has been a LONG time coming and we are so excited.  This morning I went to grab some of her puppy food (NOW puppy formula - recommended by our breeder) and came back to Joe cleaning the house and vacuuming.  He can say, "It's just a dog" all he wants, but I know he's just as excited as I am.  Maggie is not "just a dog".  She is my first dog and our first dog together.  It's the start of our family.  I already have her "coming home" bow picked out! 

Starting today our house will never be the same again.  When I realized she was actually coming home today I had a moment of panic wondering if I was ready to take on a puppy.  Those who know me know I'm very protective of our townhouse and keeping it looking brand new (no scratches on the wall, clean carpet, things in their place, etc).  Now I have to be more realistic and understand my carpet will never be the same again.  I know she's going to have accidents here and there, but I will do whatever I can to prevent it.  It will be interesting teaching her to go potty outside.  She will have to learn how to go up and down stairs first!  Our breeder also had them going mostly on puppy pads since she as a lung condition and can't take them outside herself.   Well, we are on our way to PetSmart to pick up a few more things then off to get Maggie!  We can't wait to bring her in to River Valley for her first visit and enroll her in puppy school!  Stay tuned, now that she's home we will update more frequently with our trials and tribulations of raising a puppy!

FREE INITIAL EXAMINATION

Did you know that River Valley Veterinary Service offers a FREE Initial Examination to those visiting us for the first time? Click the link below to learn what to expect at your first visit, and even fill out the New Patient Form ahead of time to make your visit an even smoother one. We look forward to meeting you and your pet!

http://www.rivervalleyveterinary.com/your-first-visit

PUPPY CLASS TONIGHT!

Don't forget about our Puppy Class tonight with Instructor Tiana Peterson! This class runs from 6:15pm to 7:15pm and are for puppies 8-20 weeks of age. This seven week class will get your puppy's behavior on the right track. We hope to see you and your new four-legged family member there!

 

Pets and Beaches

Now is a great time to take your dog to the beach. Please remember that the sand can be extremely hot, and it can easily burn the pads on your dog’s feet. So, avoid the beach in the middle of the day. Early mornings or early evenings are best for your dog. Remember that drinking ocean water can cause terrible upset to your pet’s stomach. Don’t forget to check local ordinances, as some towns have restrictions regarding dogs on their beaches.

 

2 More Weeks!!!

I'm a Pretty, Pretty Princess :-)

Ooooh I can hardly contain my excitement to have Maggie home!  Only 2 more weeks until she is HOME!!!  The house has been cleaned, organized, re-cleaned, and re-organized.  I’m going bonkers!  I was sick this last week and my husband was out of town for work.  I just kept thinking how much “easier” it would be to be sick if I had Maggie to snuggle up next to.  That got me thinking about “therapy dogs”.  I work at a children’s hospital with the oncology patients.  They LOVE when therapy dogs come to visit them.  It makes their trips to the hospital for chemo a little more bearable.  I would have to look more into this to see what it entails.  Seeing how much happiness Maggie has already brought Joe and I… I would love the opportunity to share that happiness.  If anyone knows where to find information about this, please let me know!

Maggie is much more active now.  When we visited her last time she was sleepy and such a snuggle-bug (which I love!)  Now she's running around, chasing toys, and playing with her brothers and sisters.  I’ve already been told I need to work on my “No!” as it sounds too playful!  I told our breeder I’m not sure if I’ll be training Maggie or if Maggie will be training me.  I'm sure puppy school will benefit us both!  We are so lucky to have found such a wonderful breeder.  It will be fun to take Maggie back for visits.  Our breeder also grooms and dog sits so we will be able to get plenty of visits in!  We will be able to take Maggie home for a few hours to see if she’s ready on the 14^th.  If she does well she can go home for GOOD shortly after that.  This has been a long process for me (I knew I was getting Maggie before the dogs were even pregnant!) but well worth the wait!

Ooooh I could just SQUEEZE her!!